To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: 4/5th
SUBJECT:
title
Acceptance of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Equipment and Training Program award administered by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and approval of the Supplemental Budget (4/5 Vote Required)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Authorize the Chair of the Board, Sheriff, Undersheriff, and Deputy Director of Financial and Support Services to accept grant funds and execute all necessary contracts and agreements and amendments thereto in the name of the County of Humboldt, and all other certifications, assurances, Memorandums of Understanding, or documents required by the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Equipment and Training Program after review and approval of Risk Management, the County Administrative Office, and County Counsel; and
2. Accept and adopt Resolution (Attachment 1) and direct the Clerk of the Board to return a signed copy of the resolution to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Attn: Julie Martin for submittal to funding agency; and
3. Approve the Supplemental Budget (Attachment 2) for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Sheriff’s Office budget unit 1100-221911 and the Public Defender’s Office budget unit 1100-219 for the combined amount of $104,083 and establish the fixed asset in budget unit 1100-221911 SWAT Team Level IV extra-large shield (4/5 Vote Required).
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STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Core Services/Other
Strategic Plan Category: 9999 - Core Services/Other
DISCUSSION:
The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) released funds, through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) on a one-time, non-competitive grant process for the JAG Equipment and Training Program. Funds were awarded to all California counties based on a population formula. The County of Humboldt was awarded (Attachment 3), based on this formula-basis $104,083. These funds are required to be spent on equipment, supplies, and training initiatives for specific JAG Program Purpose Areas (PPAs) which most closely matched the needs to the Public Defender’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office. Working together, the Public Defender’s Office matched their needs with the Program Purpose Area for Prosecution and Court Programs for Innovations in Indigent Defense to enhance both infrastructure and workforce capacity. The Sheriff’s Office matched their needs to the Program Purpose Area for Law Enforcement Programs focusing on violent crime reduction and crisis intervention.
The Public Defender’s Office requested funding to replace outdated computer equipment, worn desks, and provide advanced training in indigent defense practices as well as technology training for support staff. Five attorneys will attend training for holistic indigent defense practices to strengthen their ability to integrate legal defense with social services, diversion strategies, and trauma-informed practices which leads to more effective, client-centered representation. Three administrative staff will attend the Journal Technologies user conference to improve their use of case management system features, streamline internal workflows, and enhance reporting and data management.
The Sheriff’s Office will purchase ballistic shields and pursuit control devices (PCDs) to equip more deputies and tactical units with essential tools to safely engage in high-risk and crisis scenarios. Ballistic protection enables faster, safer victim rescues, controls confrontations with armed suspects, increases ability to de-escalate situations due to reduced danger to deputies, and is a deterrent that may reduce the need for lethal force. PCDs are used to deflate vehicle tires in a controlled manner, reduces threats to other drivers and pedestrians, and shortens crisis incidents/pursuits improving public safety.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Board of State and Community Corrections Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Equipment and Training Program.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Sheriff’s Office
|
Expenditures (1100-221911) |
FY25-26 |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$0 |
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
$73,676 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$73,676 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
|
Funding Sources (1100-221911) |
FY25-26 |
|
General Fund |
$0 |
|
State/Federal Funds |
$73,676 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$73,676 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Public Defender’s Office
|
Expenditures (1100-219) |
FY25-26 |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$0 |
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
$30,407 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$30,407 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
|
Funding Sources (1100-219) |
FY25-26 |
|
General Fund |
$0 |
|
State/Federal Funds |
$30,407 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$30,407 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
The Supplemental Budget request (Attachment 2) recognizes the receipt of $104,083 in grant revenue for fiscal year 2025-26.
The Public Defender’s Office will purchase three new desks, three new computers/accessories, and one printer. Training for five attorneys to attend the Annual 2-day Capital Defense Case Conference will include three nights lodging, per diem, airfare, training registration and a rental car. Training for three support staff for the Journal Technologies User Conference will also include three nights lodging, per diem, airfare, training registration and a rental car.
The supplemental budget establishes fixed asset funding for the Sheriff’s Office to purchase one SWAT Team Level IV extra-large shield with accessories such as long-range lighting and leg protection with an estimated cost of $16,500. At an estimated cost of $3,950 each, the Sheriff’s Office will also purchase eleven Patrol Team Rifle Level III Compact Response Shields with lighting and weapons brackets. In addition, the supplemental budget establishes funding for PCDs and grant management indirect costs.
STAFFING IMPACT:
There is no staffing impact other than time for current personnel to purchase equipment and schedule training. Grant funding under indirect costs will be used for Sheriff’s Office grant staff to manage the grant.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Public Defender’s Office
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Byrne JAG Equipment and Training - Resolution
2. Byrne JAG Equip-Training Supplemental Budget FY25-26
3. 2025 JAG RFA - Contract Humboldt
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A